This seems to be my week for seeing new “retro” look jackets! I just did a review on the new Speed and Strength Rust and Redemption Leather jacket and the new 1909 leather jackets by Scorpion are all very similar! Everybody is going retro this fall it seems!
There are two versions of the 1909 leather jacket from Scorpion… the “1909” and the “IMS 1909” jacket. First off, what’s the name mean? 1909 is the year the Indy Motor Speedway opened and these jackets are offered as a tribute to the IMS. Generally speaking the jackets are very much the same. The differences are 1) the 1909 version DOES have armor in the shoulders and elbows as standard and the IMS 1909 does not (but it does have pockets so you can add armor if you wish; 2) the IMS version DOES have an Indianapolis Motor Speedway logo on the front left chest area and the regular 1909 does not; 3) there are just minor cosmetic differences beyond that which you can see in the pictures. It looks like the back, sleeves, shoulders, zippers, and such are all about the same between the versions as is the overall color and feel of the leather. I see two vertical stripes of leather down the left chest on the non-IMS with no left breast pocket, and the IMS has no stripes, the logo and an extra pocket.
Anyway, enough of the comparison! Both jackets are made of an extremely nice leather. It is soft to the touch and pliable right off the hanger. The jackets will break in further, but they feel great from the start. There are lots of subtle styling queues that give the retro look and feel… the leather is pre-aged to appear old and is somewhat distressed. I’m sure every jacket will vary one from the next somewhat which probably explains why our photos look a bit different from Scorpion’s factory photos, but to get the idea, take the “View Larger Images” link above for a close up look. The jackets are more “antique brown” than black (which is what Scorpion calls them). This is a color that really goes well with any other clothing, which is great because I”m sure you will want to wear this both on and off the bike. I’d recommend either jacket for cool to warm weather. The jackets have a removable vest-type thermal liner for extra insulation in cooler weather. Each jacket has perforated leather under the arms and each upper chest pocket is lined with mesh flow through material, so those pockets could work as zip vents too. In back there are two large rear exhaust vents.
As I mentioned, the 1909 does come with shoulder and elbow armor and the IMS comes with pockets for installation of armor so you can buy that separately if you want. Neither jacket comes standard with a back protector but there is a pocket to add one. The armor is available by taking the links below.
There are lots of little features you’ll like from the custom zippers to all the little styling details. I’ve got a whole group of photos for you in our gallery so take a look. There is even a deep lined inside breast pocket…some call this a gun pocket. Haven’t seen one of those since our Vanson days… it’s on the right side of the jacket, which means you’d reach in with your left hand… hmmmm, I’d have built it the opposite way, but lefties can rejoice and make a faster draw I guess. Overall, this is a really nice style and well worth the money I’d say. :: Paul, 08-12-14
